For its seventh year, volunteers at the Johnstown YWCA's Cinderella Project will help local girls hit the town and the dance floor in style for prom 2013.

March 05, 2013|Kecia Bal

Area teens are invited to choose gently used gowns, shoes and accessories for prom night. Items are provided on a first come, first serve basis with no proof of income required. Try-on dates are set for noon to 3 p.m. March 16 and March 23 at the Johnstown YWCA along Somerset Street.

Since its inception, the Cinderella Project volunteers have helped outfit more than 600 girls for proms and formals. An average of 100 girls each year from a wide region — Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Indiana and Westmoreland counties — find their ensembles at the event.

Project coordinator Megan Seese-Livingston said the idea came from watching Oprah with her mother, a high school teacher who knew there were girls who wanted a perfect prom night but whose families had trouble covering the big expense. Seese-Livingston said she started thinking about what she had in her closet and then reached out to friends and family, all of whom were eager to help.

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“It’s something that the community really supports,” she said. “It just exploded.”

Volunteers collect formal dresses and accessories year-round, she added. Those interested in donating can drop off items at the YWCA any time during regular business hours.

During try-on days, girls are paired with volunteers who act as personal shoppers. The project is supported by individual donations as well as businesses and organizations from the community. It also is consistently supported by: Celestial Brides and owner Sharon Honkus, Highmark, Concurrent Techonolgies Corporation, Rhonda’s Sewing Boutique in Somerset, The Red Cross, The Richland Rotary and costume designers/seamstresses Amanda Kirkstadt and Judy Bingler.

More information is available at the project’s Facebook page or by calling the YWCA at 814-536-3519.